I found him a thief / I found that he was a thief.

[wotcha]

1. I found him a thief.

2. I found that he was a thief.

3. I found a thief for him.


Is sentence 1 same in meaning with 2 ? or 3?

[Barb_D]

1. I found him a thief. This is awkward. It sounds like #3

2. I found that he was a thief. If #1 were "If found him to be a thief" it would mean this.

3. I found a thief for him. This is such an improbable situation that it's hard to imagine when you'd need to find sentence that mean this.


Is sentence 1 same in meaning with 2 ? or 3?

Note the difference between "I found him a X" and "I found him to be a X."

It's different with adjectives: I found him quite charming = I found him to be quite charming.

[wotcha]

Note the difference between "I found him a X" and "I found him to be a X."

It's different with adjectives: I found him quite charming = I found him to be quite charming.

Then, what about "I believe him a thief"

Does it sound like "I believe that he was a thief"?

[Rover_KE]

Avoid 'I believe him a thief'.

You could say 'I believe him to be a thief'.

Rover

[wotcha]

1. I found him to be a thief.

2. I thought him to be a thief.

Do the both 1 and 2 sound OK?

Then

3. I found him a thief.

4. I thought him a thief.

How about 3 and 4? They must be awkward to native speakers - ?

[bhaisahab]

1. I found him to be a thief. OK, but not very natural.

2. I thought him to be a thief. OK, but a very formal/dated construction.

Do the both 1 and 2 sound OK?

Then

3. I found him a thief. No.

4. I thought him a thief. Same comment as #2.

How about 3 and 4? They must be awkward to native speakers - ?

Bhai.

[nadia738]

I think that the first two sentences are quite similar in their meanings while the third one is different. Please do correct if i am wrong.